FEACTURES. 975 



inch thick, when the bandage is brought quickly over it, and 

 drawn tight enough to cause the water to ooze through the cloth ; 

 this is continued, the bandage being lapped about one-half of an 

 inch, until carried beyond the edges of the splints, when the pro- 

 cess is reversed to the bottom, and then again to the top, making 

 in all three layers, which forms a strong, unyielding cast about an 

 inch, or a little more, thick around the part, when the horse is 

 given freedom to take care of himself in a large comfortable stall. 



An important condition of success is in the preparation of the 

 plaster. First, it should bo of the very best quality ; next, as the 

 plaster will set very quickly, not more than enough for one layer 

 should be prepared or attempted to be put on at a time. Put in 

 a tin dish about as much plaster as will be necessary for one coat 

 or layer over the part. Pour on sufficient water to wet it well, 

 and stir thoroughly for one minute. Being all ready, instantly 

 commence putting on, laying on as stated, until the plaster be- 

 comes too hard, when make another batch, and continue the pro- 

 cess, and when that is used, making more, and continuing until 

 finished. 



If the skin is broken, or there is a serious cut, as the splints 

 are being put on, avoid covering the spot with wood or iron, and 

 in the course of fi'om six to ten hours, a hole should be made 

 through the plaster to it, when it is to be treated as an ordinary 

 wound. The point is to make the casing so long and tight as to 

 thoroughly support the limb, without being too heavy or clumsy, 

 yet not to obstruct the circulation. 



In each of the cases referred to, there was no swelling or other 

 trouble, and consequently no after treatment. The horse was let 

 alone, and in about eight weeks the cast Avas taken off, when there 

 was found to be a complete union of the parts without any notic- 

 able deformity. 



Dr. Macbeth tells me this method of management is original 

 with himself so far as he knows, and certainly its simplicity in 

 connection with his success, entitles him to considerable credit. 

 Plaster has been employed, I understand, for this purpose, but was 

 put on in such a way as to form a mass excessively heavy and 

 clumsy, and consequently not favorable to success. 



Of course, when such an accident occurs, if a practitioner is 



