AND MALFORMATIONS OF THE FEET. 75 



or gravel will produce irritation and delay the cure. 

 If much pain is present, it is advisable to apply a 

 poultice. 



As soon as the acute symptoms have subsided, a 

 plaster of tow and tar should be applied to the 

 fissure, with a view of keeping out the dirt, and of 

 stimulating the parts to throw out new material. 

 In a few weeks the lameness will probably subside, 

 and with the assistance of a three-quarter shoe, 

 which will prevent undue pressure and concussion 

 on the seat of disease, the horse may again be 

 worked. 



In course of time, though the legitimate secre- 

 tion of the coronary band is not restored, nature 

 will from the surrounding parts throw out a 

 species of spurious horn, which will sufficiently 

 protect the sensitive parts immediately under the 

 seat of injury, and the horse will again for all prac- 

 tical purposes be sound, and eventually even the 

 aid of a three-quarter shoe may be dispensed 

 with. 



Especial care must be taken that the new depo- 

 sition of horn in the neighbourhood of the false 

 quarter be not injured by rasping. 



72. Feet, somewhat smaller than the standard Small feet, 

 size, if equally so all round, are not so objectionable 

 as many people consider. Small feet are natural to 

 the high-bred horse, who is a native of dry sandy 



