METHODS OF FIXING TOGETHER EDGES OF SANDCRACK. 367 



The margins of the crack may be fixed together by one of 

 the followincj methods : — 



1. By means of clips, vvliich may be either bought ready 

 made or fashioned out of thin rod iron by the farrier himself. 

 A depression to receive the clip is made in the horn by apply- 

 ing a specially shaped red-hot iron. The clip is then placed 

 in position and the ends pressed inwards by means of special 

 pincers. The operation should be performed while the animal 

 stands on the foot, and the clip, which sliould be sunk almost 

 flush with the wall, applied immediately after removing the 

 iron, because then the horn is soft and allows the points to^ 



penetrate, while it ensures the clip holding firmly. According 

 to the length of the crack one to three clips may be applied. 

 This method is only applicable to sandcracks around the toe 

 and in strong hoofs. 



2. By metal plates (fig. 351), fastened with small wood 

 screws corresponding in length to the thickness of the outer 

 sheath of the wall. For quarter and heel cracks shorter but 

 broader plates are used, in which the screws are applied one 

 below the other. The plate is slightly countersunk before 

 being screwed on, by heating to a dull red and pressing it on 

 the proper spot. Plates can be used for any kind of crack, 

 except those at the extreme ends of the heel. They appear to 

 have given satisfaction. 



3. By rivets. One or two specially prepared horse nails are- 

 driven through the borders of the crack and afterwards clenched 

 in the usual way. The operation is rendered easier by boring 

 or burning the holes for the rivets beforehand. This is the 

 oldest process and if carefully performed is very successful, but 

 can be employed only at the toe and quarters. 



4. By means of the special teethed sandcrack band invented 

 by Koster. The hoof is cleansed, the edges of the crack, if 

 necessary, smoothed, and grooves for inserting the jaws of the 



