HORSES. 165 



off all scabs ; then apply oil or hog's lard just so as to 

 moisten the skin ; then take a fine powder of hemlock 

 bark, and cover the parts well with it ; a few applica- 

 tions will effect a cure. 



DISEASES OF THE FEET. 



Brittleness of Hoof is a disease arising from keep- 

 ing the hoof too dry; though it is a natural defect in 

 some horses. It prevails most in hot, dry weather, and 

 is a serious inconvenience. The hoofs chip away at 

 every shoeing, until at last there is scarcely nail-hold, 

 and there is danger of pricking the horse. For this 

 complaint, stopping is commonly used. The best stop- 

 ping is cow dung, with a small portion of clay to give it 

 consistency and tenacity. Apply it to the soles of the 

 feet when not at work. But the follo-v\dng liniment is 

 preferred. Oil or spirits of tar, one pint ; common fish 

 oil, one quart ; mix them together. When the horse 

 comes from work, cleanse the feet, and rub this liniment 

 over the whole crust and sole. Brittleness in the hoof 

 would be prevented, in some measure, by the horse stand- 

 ing on the ground instead of a plank floor. 



Sand Crack is a longitudinal crack in the hoof, the 

 predisposing cause of which is brittleness of hoof. It is 

 most common on the inner quarter of the fore foot, that 

 part being rather weak, and liable to much stress and 

 pressure. But in the hind foot it is the most frequent at 

 the toe, for there is the principal stress in drawing. 



The slightest appearance of sand crack should be 

 attended to. It begins from without, and penetrates 

 inwardly, and may be arrested in its progress, when 

 superficial. Rasp the hoof; if done in season, the crack 

 may be rasped out. If it proves to be deep, and yet no 

 lameness, the foot should not be weaken 2d by cutting to 

 the bottom of the fissure, but a line sh ould be deeply 

 drawn, with a sharp firing iron, above and below it, to 

 prevent its spreading. 



If lameness attend sand crack, the fissure has pene- 

 trated hrough the horn to the sensible parts, and either 

 gravel has insinuated itself, and is giving pain by its 



