HORN SUBSTITUTES. 329 



brown in colour, and appears to consist largely of gutta-percha 

 with the addition of some india-rubber and inorganic materials. 

 It is very elastic and tough, can be warmed either in water or 

 over a fire, w^hen it becomes plastic ; on cooling, it again 

 assumes its hard, leather-like condition, without losing the 

 form given it. It may be used in any part of the hoof where 

 additions are required. As compared with De Fay's artificial 

 horn it possesses the following advantages : — 1. After melting 

 it solidifies more rapidly than De Fay's preparation. 2. In 

 cooling it remains firmly fixed to the horn wall and does not 

 shrink, whilst De Fay's mixture contracts, and is apt to lose its 

 hold. 3. It can be melted as frequently as required without 

 losing its qualities, whilst De Fay's cement rapidly deteriorates. 

 4. It requires no special preparation, like the removal of 

 grease or the roughening and drying of the horn, though such 

 precautions are perhaps still advisable. 



In all cases where De Fay's artificial horn can be used with 

 advantage this preparation may now be substituted for it. In 

 Germany it is largely used instead of vulcanised rubber or 

 rope in special grooved shoes designed to diminish slipping on 

 smooth pavements. It has also been employed as a dressing 

 for hoofs. In this case the under surface of the hoof is care- 

 fully cleaned and disinfected, and the melted ' huflederkitt ' 

 applied with a spatula. The frog may be covered or left ex- 

 posed. If the space be filled up as far as the bearing surface 

 of the shoe, the counter-pressure of the ground is transmitted 

 very perfectly to all parts of the sole, etc., whilst at the same 

 time slipping on asphalt or stone pavements is minimised. 



