59 



in almost all feet to become dry and brittle, and to lose 

 its elasticity, which disposes it to curl inwards upon the 

 internal parts of the foot ; this we should endeavour to 

 prevent as much, as possible ; and the best ajjplications for 

 that purpose are grease and moisture ; I name them together, 

 because I think they shoi:ld always be employed in conjunc- 

 tion ; the grease fii'st, and then the moisture ; the latter alone 

 will keep the horn soft and phable dining the continuance 

 of its application to the hoof ; but it is no sooner chscontinued, 

 than evaporation takes place, and the horn becomes as hard 

 and brittle, as before ; whereas, if the hoof be well rubbed 

 with some greasy mixture, so as to fill the small spaces 

 between the fibres of the horn, before the moisture is applied, 

 the hoof will derive the full benefit of the cold, and be left, 

 when the evaporation is over, in a tough and pliable condition. 



The following ointment will be found to answer the purpose 

 admirably ; and if it be freely used to the sole and frog 

 at night, before the feet are stopped, and to the crust in the 

 morning, after the horse is dressed, it will keep the hoof 

 in an elastic and healthy state. To a pound and a half 

 of lard add a quarter of a pound of tar, a quarter of a 

 pound of honey, and a quarter of a pound of beeswax ; 

 melt the lard and beeswax together, and stir in the tar 

 and honey ; and if, Avhen cold, it should be too hard, re-melt 

 it, and add a little more lard. 



Whenever there is heat in the foot, the use of cold water 



for two or three hours at a time is often very serviceable ; 



and the best mode of applying it is to place three or four 



thicknesses of horse-clothing together of nearly the depth 

 I* 



