MODERN FARRIER. ,69 



■If 



*That this hair is a protection to the heels may- 

 be easily ascertained by laying it aside and examin- 

 ing the surface of the skin, which in that case will 

 be found clean and dry, even after travelling the 

 whole of the day through the dirtiest roads. The 

 thorough-bred horse, it is true, has but httle hair on 

 his heels ; but it should be remembered, that he is 

 originally a native of a hot chmate, where the soil is 

 light and sandy, and free from moisture. 



* Horse-dealers know so well the utility of leaving 

 the hair on the heels of horses that work hard, that 

 they never trim their own hackneys which they ride 

 to fairs ; and coach-masters and inn-keepers would 

 find it beneficial to adopt the same plan.' 



If cracks appear in the heels without tlie general 

 swelling and discharge of matter, apply the follow- 

 ing ointment : — 



Hog's lard, _ . - 4 ounces. 



Palm oil, - - - - 2 ounces. 

 Fine olive oil, - - - 1 ounce. 



Melted by placing the pot which contains it in 

 boiling water, and then stirring in — 



Acetated litharge, - - Ij ounce. 



Stir the mixture till nearly cold. 



If the crack appears painful and inflamed, apply 

 soft poultices, made of turnips or oatmeal and beer 

 grounds, mixed with goulard, for two or three days, 

 and then the following ointment : — 



Fresh hog's lard, - _ 4 ounces. 



White lead powdered, - 1 ounce. 



ISIixed and spread upon tow, which may be secured 

 by a light thin bandage. 



45. Sand-cracks. 



Sijrrqytoms. — This disease is a partial division of 

 the wail of the hoof, commencing at the cornet, and 



