THE EARTH'S BOUNTY 



have lodged round the edge of the shoes re- 

 moved very gently, with a pointed piece of 

 steel or iron. The sole, or inside, of a horse's 

 hoof is very tender and easily injured, so do 

 not allow any rough or inexperienced stable 

 boy to poke about indiscreetly with a sharp - 

 pointed weapon, but rather depend on wash- 

 ing only. During long periods of dry 

 weather, it is beneficial to pack a horse's 



front feet in linseed meal once a week. Make 



i 



a poultice of the meal and hot water, hold up 

 the horse's hoof, and fill to the edge of the 

 shoe; then bind in place with a strong cloth 

 or burlap, allowing it to remain several hours, 

 and washing off in warm water. 



The hair on the fetlock should be trimmed 

 neatly, but for the country I do not believe 

 in cutting too close, for the hair is a protec- 

 tion against " scratches." The horse which is 

 regularly clipped is usually the most healthy, 

 because the skin can be kept in good condi- 

 tion, an impossibility if the body is covered 

 with long hair. 



220 



